Raqiya

Raqiya (also spelled Rakiya, Raqia, Raqqa) is an Arabic term that has several meanings in different contexts. It is often translated as "firmament" or "expanse". In the context of Islamic cosmology, it refers to the celestial spheres, or the "heavens". In the context of the Hebrew Bible, it refers to the dome-like expanse separating the "waters above" from the "waters below".

Etymology

The term "Raqiya" comes from the root "raqa", which means "to beat" or "spread out". This reflects the ancient Near Eastern cosmological belief that the sky was a solid dome that was beaten out from a primordial sea.

In Islamic Cosmology

In Islamic cosmology, the term "Raqiya" is used to refer to the celestial spheres or the "heavens". The Qur'an mentions seven heavens (sab'a samawat), and some interpretations suggest that each of these heavens is a "Raqiya".

In the Hebrew Bible

In the Hebrew Bible, the term "Raqiya" is used in the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis. It is described as a dome-like expanse that separates the "waters above" from the "waters below". This reflects the ancient Near Eastern cosmological belief that the earth was surrounded by a primordial sea, and that the sky was a solid dome that held back the waters above.

Interpretations

The interpretation of "Raqiya" has been a subject of debate among scholars. Some argue that it should be understood metaphorically, while others argue that it reflects the cosmological beliefs of the time.

See also

• Islamic cosmology
• Hebrew cosmology
• Firmament
• Celestial spheres

References

Raqiya Resources
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